12/06/2026
🧪🌿 Pedagogy in Practice: STEM Learning Through Nature, Wonder and Inquiry
Today, the children immersed themselves in a beautiful nature-based STEM experience inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Dressed in their science gowns, the children eagerly explored thyme, rosemary and mint, using pestles and mortars to crush the herbs and create their own imaginative “magic potions.”
Equipped with beakers, measuring containers and eyedroppers, the children carefully mixed, measured and experimented with water, observing how the herbs changed in texture, colour and scent. What began as a simple provocation quickly evolved into a rich investigation led entirely by the children’s curiosity, creativity and imagination.
Throughout the experience, children demonstrated sustained engagement, concentration and collaboration. They worked alongside one another, exchanging ideas, sharing resources and discussing their discoveries.
Children excitedly shared:
“I’m making a magic potion!”
“This one smells like flowers.”
“Let’s add more water.”
“Look, it’s changing colour!”
The experience provided opportunities for children to explore important STEM concepts including scientific inquiry, experimentation, measurement, observation, prediction and problem-solving. Children developed mathematical understandings as they measured and compared quantities, scientific thinking as they hypothesised and tested ideas, and language skills as they communicated their theories and discoveries with peers.
Reggio Emilia in Action
This experience reflected the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children are viewed as capable, competent and resourceful learners. Rather than directing the experience, educators carefully prepared an inviting environment rich with natural materials and open-ended resources, allowing children to lead their own learning journey.
The herbs, tools and natural materials acted as provocations, encouraging inquiry, exploration and investigation. As children manipulated the materials, they expressed their thinking through action, language, imagination and collaboration—demonstrating the “Hundred Languages of Children” described within the Reggio Emilia Approach.
The environment truly became the third teacher. The thoughtfully curated learning space invited children to wonder, experiment, investigate and construct their own knowledge through hands-on experiences.
Educators intentionally listened, observed and documented children’s thinking, recognising that meaningful learning occurs when children’s interests and ideas are valued and extended.
This beautiful experience highlighted how STEM learning can emerge naturally through play, relationships and exploration. Through nature-based inquiry, children strengthened their critical thinking, creativity, communication skills and confidence as learners while experiencing the joy of discovery.
At Young Achievers Early Learning Centre, we believe children learn best when they are given time, space and opportunity to explore, question and investigate the world around them.
🌿✨ “The environment is the third teacher, and children are active constructors of their own learning.”